St. Mary Parish- Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the completion of the U.S 90/ La. 318 Interchange Project in St. Mary Parish. Governor John Bel Edwards and DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D., were joined by state and local officials, including House Transportation Committee Chairman Terry Landry, at the West St. Mary Parish Civic Center for the ceremony.

This $55.7 million project consisted of improving the U.S. 90 corridor, as well as the existing U.S. 90 and La. 318 intersection by including a new separated interchange and providing a frontage road system. Additionally, U.S. 90 was upgraded to interstate standards in preparation for the future I-49 South corridor, which includes the I-49 Connector project through Lafayette.

“This project is not only a major win for St. Mary Parish, but it is integral to the future development of the I-49 corridor,” said Governor Edwards. “It is important for day-to-day travel and equally important, it serves as an evacuation and transport route for some of our most vital freight and port industries. Thus far, we have invested $1.4 billion in more than 700 projects statewide. Improving our infrastructure is necessary for the economic growth of our state and continues to be a priority for my administration.”

This route is vital to the residents of St. Mary Parish, as well as motorists traveling throughout the state, because it provides an alternative route for those traveling from Lafayette to New Orleans. Additionally, this route allows for direct access to Midwest industries to the ports of south Louisiana and a connection between oil industry supplies and manufactures from New Orleans to Texas.

“The completion of this project is another example of how we are keeping our promise to improve infrastructure in all areas of the state. Not only will residents of this Parish see an improvement of the quality of life, but travelers as well. With this completed project, an improvement of connectivity and overall mobility will be seen for all motorists, as well as industrial and freight transport from our local industries,” said Secretary Wilson.

“The completion of the LA 318 project is another major step towards updating U.S. 90 to the standards of an interstate-grade roadway,” said Senator R. L. “Bret” Allain. “In addition, this project will contribute to better safety for our citizens and help industries such as agriculture get products to destinations in a more efficient manner.”

“Without this overpass this community could not exist. The investment is coming, it may not be here tomorrow, but it is coming. We have a place ready for development and this needs to be a place for economic development. It’s about this community and what the people here need,” said Representative Sam Jones.

"This is an important day in St. Mary Parish. We are now one step closer to I-49, which is wonderful for St. Mary Parish and this region,” said St. Mary Parish President David Hanagriff. “I am proud of the coordination and cooperation between the Parish Officials, Governor Edwards and his administration, and our legislative delegation.”

Currently this corridor sees more than 22,000 motorists a day, though this is expected to increase to well over 40,000 in the next 20 years once the other planned projects along this corridor are constructed.

Gilchrist Construction, Stantec, T. Baker Smith, Pan American, and GeoEngineers were the design build team on this project, which began in July 2015, along with GEC and HNTB who were the owner verification consultants.